Quote by Richard Holmes
Physical vision - one might say scientific vision - brings about a metaphysical shift in the observer's view of reality as a whole. The geography of the earth, or the structure of the solar system, are in an instant utterly changed, and forever. The explorer, the scientific observer, the literary reader, experience the Sublime: a moment of revelation into the idea of the unbounded, the infinite.
Summary
This quote highlights the transformative power of physical vision, particularly in scientific exploration and literary reading. When we see and understand the geography of the earth or the structure of the solar system, our perception of reality undergoes a profound metaphysical shift. It alters our understanding of the world, rendering it forever changed. This shift leads to an experience of the Sublime, where we encounter a moment of revelation that opens our minds to the idea of the unbounded and infinite. It emphasizes the transformative potential of knowledge and the awe-inspiring nature of exploring the unknown.